Container Necking Inspection With a Moving Light Detector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing necking machines for container inspection require separate and costly inspection apparatuses that lengthen the manufacturing process and increase costs due to stationary light detectors, which are not integrated into the necking process.
Innovation Solution
A necking machine with a movable inspection device that shifts towards the container, integrating the inspection into the necking process, allowing the light detector to maintain light communication with the container's interior during deformation, eliminating the need for additional support elements and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary inspection device with separate support elements is used, then the container can be inspected for defects, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device is merged with the existing necking machine by attaching the light detector to a tool station that shifts with respect to the holding station. This integration eliminates the need for separate stationary inspection apparatus and additional support elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining defect detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The necking machine's tool station is given a dual function: it performs both the necking/deformation operation and the inspection operation. By making the tool station shiftable with respect to the holding station, it can accommodate both processing and inspection functions, eliminating the need for dedicated separate inspection equipment
2Reliability
If a stationary light detector is used, then the inspection can be performed, but the manufacturing process lengthens and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection operation is merged into the necking process by using the same shifting mechanism. The tool station shifts to perform inspection during the same operational cycle used for necking, eliminating the need for separate inspection stations and reducing overall process time
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection process continues seamlessly within the existing necking machine operational cycle. The light detector remains active and functional throughout the shifting and necking operations, maintaining continuous inspection capability without interrupting the manufacturing flow
3Reliability
If separate inspection apparatus is used, then defect detection is possible, but additional machinery and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is combined with the necking machine by attaching the light detector to the shifting tool station. This integration eliminates the need for separate inspection machinery, reducing both initial manufacturing costs and ongoing maintenance requirements while preserving defect detection functionality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This integration saves costs and streamlines the inspection process by performing it during the container's deformation, ensuring defects like small openings and cracks are detected efficiently without requiring additional machinery or maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an inspection device for containers (10) comprising a light detector (20) for detecting light in the interior (13) of each container (10)
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 1b~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Necking machine for containers (10) with an open end (12), comprising a plurality of holding stations (211) for containers (10) and a plurality of tool stations (221) contiguous and opposing, the holding stations (211) and the tool stations (221) being movable with respect to each other. The machine (200) also comprises an inspection device (100) for containers (10) comprising a light detector (20) for detecting light in the interior (13) of each container (10). The inspection device (100) is attached to a tool station (221), such that said inspection device (100) shifts together with the tool station (221) with respect to the container (10) during the inspection of said container (10), light communication of the light detector (20) with the interior (13) of the container (10) being maintained during said inspection.